Lewiston, Maine witnessed a fatal act of violence as at least 16 people were killed in shootings at a local bowling alley and bar on Wednesday night.
The shooter remained elusive late into the evening, prompting the city to be placed on a stringent lockdown.
The horrifying incidents were confirmed to have occurred at two locations - Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation. While various news outlets have reported death counts ranging from 10 to 22, two unnamed law enforcement officials have confirmed to the Associated Press that the death toll stands at 16, with dozens more injured.
Authorities in Lewiston immediately responded to the crisis, urging residents and local businesses to remain indoors.
An earlier Facebook post by Lewiston police highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that there was an “active shooter incident” at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation and labeling 40-year-old Robert Card as a prime “person of interest”.
Known to be a firearms instructor with military training, Card is presently considered "armed and dangerous". The sheriff's office further fueled concerns by releasing images showcasing a suspect with a gun in hand, walking into a venue.
Central Maine's medical center's website informed the public of their swift response to this “mass casualty, mass shooter event”. The medical facility has been collaborating closely with neighboring hospitals to ensure all victims receive timely medical care.
Maine's state police reinforced the urgency of the situation by mandating residents to shelter in place, as they grappled with "two active shooter events".
Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, reinforced the importance of citizens staying indoors to allow law enforcement to manage the situation effectively.
Maine's Governor, Janet Mills, has been actively involved, offering guidelines in sync with those of law enforcement and assuring residents of her continuous contact with public safety officials.
Local newspaper, The Sun Journal, provided harrowing details of the incidents, reporting the early convergence of police and rescue teams at Sparetime Recreation, and later highlighting the chilling incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille. Kathy Lebel, a co-owner of Schemengees, recounted her horror upon learning that an individual had entered the establishment and started firing.
A visibly shaken Lebel remarked, “It was just a fun night playing cornhole … it’s the last thing you’re expecting, right?” The immense emotional trauma was evident as Lebel, along with many others, awaited news of their friends and family.
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